South Ayrshire Council are seeking input on the proposed Prestwick Spaceport.

The spaceport will be Europe's leading space applications hub and will become a prime location for the development and operation of horizontal space launch systems for small satellites which can be used for many activities, such as monitoring climate change, tracking deforestation and identifying illegal fishing or mining.

Prestwick Aerospace is already the largest aerospace cluster in Scotland, providing extensive employment for the local community and this event will provide the public with an opportunity to see how the new facility will look.

The event will include details on the benefits of launching small satellites as well as details of how horizontal launch technology works and why Prestwick is best placed to become a national hub for this industry.

The spaceport is part of the £80 million Aerospace and Space Programme being funded via the Ayrshire Growth Deal - a partnership being driven forward by the Scottish Government, the UK Government and East, North and South Ayrshire councils, to transform the Ayrshire economy.

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The spaceport's operations will see Prestwick become a recognised centre of activity for the UK space industry, supporting space related businesses both large and small, a development which clearly has significant benefits for the local economy.

It is estimated that around 4,000 new jobs will be created as part of the ongoing development.

Councillor Peter Henderson, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "Prestwick Spaceport is a flagship development for Ayrshire and will become a major investor and job creator for our area.

"We are inviting the public along to the event to find out more about the development and to gain a better understanding of this growing industry.

"On the day we will have experts from across the team who will be able to assist anyone who may have questions about how the spaceport will operate and our aspirations to become Europe's premier cluster for space activity.

Zoe Kilpatrick, Commercial Director at Glasgow Prestwick Airport said: "Prestwick Spaceport is the ideal location for the development and operation of horizontal space launch systems given our ability to provide safe over water take-off paths.

"The existing infrastructure around Prestwick Spaceport will provide immediate technical and engineering support to any new space launch operator which is why our location is perfect.

"It is really exciting to be able to share our plans at this open day and encourage anyone who is interested in the plans to come along and learn more about this innovative new industry being built here."

The public consultation event will take place on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in the Aviator Suite, between 12pm and 7pm, with an opportunity to ask questions of the design team and provide feedback to them.

Experts from across the Prestwick Spaceport partnership, which includes Glasgow Prestwick Airport, South Ayrshire Council and commercial launch partner Astraius, will be on hand to answer any questions people may have and free car parking will be available for those attending the event.